“George Bird was a man of uncommon strength of character, like his wife deeply religious, fearless of public opinion whatever public opinion crossed his idea of duty, which he was determined to fulfill at any cost. At the same time he was gentle by nature and remarkable for his good humor. He was warmly beloved by his eight children and was universally respected by all who knew him.”
George Bird’s story is a true rags-to-riches story. Born in coastal Maine he was raised by his grandparents after the death of his parents. His grandparents envisioned a different life for George than perhaps he wanted for himself. His grandfather and his brothers were mariners, which was most likely the career George would have followed had he remained in Maine. George came to Massachusetts sometime in the early 1790s. Here he learned the papermaking business and by the close of the decade, he co-owned and operated a papermaking mill.
In 1818 George Bird opened his new paper manufacturing company along the banks of the Neponset River on the South Dedham/East Walpole border, where it became a huge part of the community for over 200 years. Not only did the Bird family supply jobs for so many people in Walpole and South Dedham (now Norwood), but he also contributed to the growth and development of these two towns.
Life in East Walpole/South Dedham
George Bird: Local Legacies
The Bird family has contributed immensely to the life of the Norwood and Walpole communities. Their company has employed people for over 225 years. Providing good jobs for their employees, … Continue reading George Bird: Local Legacies
Early Life in Maine
George’s story starts where his life began, in Cushing Maine. He was born August 25, 1770 the son of Andrew Bird and Jane Hathorn. His father, Andrew was born in … Continue reading Early Life in Maine
George Bird: Husband and Father
George Bird had to have been a young man who was very intelligent, a fast learner, a hard worker and someone who was driven to succeed. In a few short … Continue reading George Bird: Husband and Father
Time line of early George Bird’s businesses:
Date Action Notes Source Abt 1793 Says Geo Bird purchased water privilege in Charles River Village, Needham, MA Source may be incorrect according to land deeds John Bidwell, American Paper … Continue reading Time line of early George Bird’s businesses:
George Bird: Starting a Life in Massachusetts
There are a couple of published contradictory notations regarding George, and there are facts that we will never know. When did he come to Massachusetts? Where did he go? How … Continue reading George Bird: Starting a Life in Massachusetts
George Bird: Son, Francis William
Francis William “Frank” Bird was around ten years old when his family moved to Walpole. He would have attended local schools before going to prep school at the Wrentham Academy … Continue reading George Bird: Son, Francis William
George Bird: The Next Generation
Frank was born in Dedham, but grew up in East Walpole. It was his home, and a place that he never left. His business was here and so was his … Continue reading George Bird: The Next Generation
Life after George Bird’s Death
After George Bird’s death his paper company continued to grow. First under the leadership of his son Francis William Bird and then under the leadership of his Grandson, Charles Sumner … Continue reading Life after George Bird’s Death
Settling into Business in East Walpole:
“The Neponset River rises in Foxborough and enters Walpole at the extreme south corner, and takes a northerly course to the centre, then changes to an easterly course, and enters … Continue reading Settling into Business in East Walpole: